Automatic shower assembly

ABSTRACT

An automatic shower for partially disabled persons has an enclosed ramp with a side mounted shower stall. The water supply for the stall comprises a series of pipes with special outlets arranged such that water spray is directed to all body areas except the head, and in pulsating streams to eliminate the need for scrubbing and to improve circulation. The water supply also has means for the introduction of cleansing and/or disinfectant solutions into the spray. A drying chamber is incorporated in the apparatus at some convenient location.

v United States Patent 1 13,56s,668

[72] Inventor Harry B. Neis [56] References Cited P.0. Box 738, Parsons, Kans. 67357 UNITED STATES PATENTS 1 pp 830,356 1,888,120 11/1932 Ginsburg 128/66 1 PM June 4,1969 2,714,725 8/1955 B00116 .1 128/66ux 1 Patented Mar-9,1971 3,281,864 11/1966 Linnehan l28/66UX Primary Examiner-L. W. Trapp Attorney-Robert G. McMorrow ABSTRACT: An automatic shower for partially disabled persons has an enclosed ramp with a side mounted shower stall. The water supply for the stall comprises a series of pipes with [54] AUTOMATIC W R ASSEMBLY special outlets arranged such that water spray is directed to all 10 Chums 10 Drawmg body areas except the head, and in pulsating streams to [52] U.S. Cl. 128/66, eliminate the need for scrubbing and to improve circulation- 4/146 The water supply also has means for the introduction of [51] Int. Cl A6lh 9/00 l ng r i in ant solutions into the spray.

[50] Field of Search 128/66, A drying chamber is incorporated in the apparatus at some convenient location.

PATENTEDMAR slam 3.568.668

sum 2 OF 2 44 o 20 #1:;- a FIG. 5.

INVI'IN'I'OR. HAPPY 5. NE/S,

41 7. MAW

l AUTOMATIC SHOWER ASSEMBLY BAQXGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of The Invention This invention relates to a shower assembly for thorough cleansing of the human body and is particularly adapted for use in hospitals and similar institutions. The invention also finds utility in connection with public areas such as swimming pool entrances, service installations, schools and the like.

2. Statement of the Prior Art It has heretofore been, proposed that unitary shower assemblies be supplied, these assemblies being, in some instances, provided with self-contained water supply means. Such units are shown by way of example in the following prior US. Pat. Nos. 335,785, Taylor Feb. 9, 1886, 382,011, Smith May 1, 1888, 2,336,402, Kaiser Dec. 7, l943,.2,659,899 Willis Nov. 24, I953, 2,702,390, Dillon Feb. 22, i955, and 3,l69,253, Segar Feb. I6, 1965.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an assembly of components which collectively function to thoroughly and hygienically bathe the. human body with the requirement of only a minimum physical effort on the part of the bather. The principal objective of the invention resides in supplying a shower assembly in which the coactive relation of the components make up the assembly is such that the bather has only to enter an enclosure in order to be fully cleaned. This apparatus is of particular utility in caring for infirmed, disabled, handicapped and otherwise incapacitated individuals, but is of equal usefulness in performing other bathing functions.

The invention further prevents cross-contamination from one person to another, and is an improvement over immersion bathing of patients in that bath water often results in spread of an infection.

Another objective of the invention resides in the provision of a shower which need not be hand cleaned after each use.

if desired, disposable floor mats may be used with the shower.

The invention incorporates a unique pulsating water supply which effectively serves a cleansing and massage function. This pulsating effect is-accornplished through the incorporation of a new and novel automatic valve system which altematively constricts and then releases the water stream. Moreover, the apparatus is provided with means for the introduction of detergent, surfactant or disinfectant chemicals into the stream for intervals during operation.

The invention encompasses, without limitation, an arrangement of components including an entry ramp section affording privacy for disrobing, an automatic shower system, and a drying section provided with heated air drying means whereby the user is fully dried and may dress before leaving the ramp.

It is an imponant objective of this invention that a series of water inlet means, illustratively pipes, have a series of openings therein. Each of these openings is in the form of an aperture with diametric slots, the slots being disposed at variant angles with respect to successive ones thereof, thereby to provide sprays at differing angles. This maximizes the effective coverage area of the shower.

The water inlet means, in the form of pipes or carrying tubes, is designed such that no shower head or nozzle is used therewith. This results in reduced cost of manufacture, and also has the result that the system does not require increased water pressure in order to operate properly.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following specification when read in conjunction with the annexed drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a shower assembly constructed and assembled in accordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 2-2 of FIG. l, looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view on line 3-3 of FIG. I, looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. d is an enlarged plan view of a bottom pipe assembly taken from line M of FIG. 2, with the supporting floor removed for clarity of disclosure;

FIG. 5 is fragmentary enlarged view of one of the dispensing pipes, on line 55 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged detail view on line 6-6 of F IG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a further fragmentary detail cross sectional view here taken on line 7-7 of FIG. 5, looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 8 is a frontal plan view of the pipe section of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a medial cross-sectional view of the shower stall section, showing in side elevation the means for introduction of cleansers and the pulsating valve; and

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the valve taken substantially on the line 10-10 of FIG. 9, looking inthe direction of the arrows.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings in more detail, the apparatus comprising a preferred embodiment of the invention is therein generally identified by reference numeral 20. The assembly of components making up the device 20 includes a main ra'mp 22 of elongated form having an inclined entry section 24, and an exit section 26. The ramp is enclosed throughout its full extent at one side by an outer wall 28, and the wall has a hand rail 30 mounted on its interior surface. The opposite side of the ramp has a sidewall composed of sections 32 and 34 which are spaced from one another and provide an doorway 36 therebetween. The sections 32 and 34 have rails 36, 38 respectively. The ramp is supported from below by transverse cross members 40, and longitudinal members 42.

An enclosed bathing stall 44 comprises a floor 46, sidewalls 48, 50 and a back wall $2 having a drain hole 53 therein, connected to a pipe 55. The side and backwalls each have inwardly extending flanges 54, and stepped support members 56 are fixedly secured thereto as shown in FIG. ii. The wall sections 32 and 3d, and the ramp floor adjacent the doorway 36 are also stepped, as at 56 in FIG. 5. The respective step portions support a horizontal, perforate grill member 5% in upwardly spaced relation to the floor 56, and the grill member provides a stand element for the bather or may support a special wheelchair device where required.

A main supply pipe 60, forming part of the water supply inlet means described below, extends into the staff 44 through an opening 62 in the sidewall 48. At a central location within the stall it is connected to a distributor 64 having a dished portion 66 in its top 6%. The dished portion is centrally apertured at '70 and has cross slots 72 arranged diametrically to emit a vertical spray in the manner denoted in phantom lines in FIG. ll. Four branch pipes 74-, 76, 78 and 80 extend from the chamber and have upstanding portions 82, 84, 86, lid, respectively, positioned at the corners of the stall 44. Each of the upstanding pipe portions has a closure fill at its upper extremity, and each has a shutoff valve assembly 92 at its midsection.

The assembly 92, best shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings, comprises an elongated body 94 having a boss 96 at one side. A tapered opening 93 extends through the boss 96 and body 94, and a rotatable plug 100 is suitably configured for rotatable mounting therein. The plug 100 has a transverse bore 102 therein alignable with the pipe openings in one position, and also has a turning handle T04. Therefore, it is possible, through manipulation of the handle, to restrict or completely eliminate the flow of water through the valve. The effect of this is to permit a person who does not wish to direct a full force flow against the upper body to diminish that flow either throughout the shower or during the application of the cleansing agent, and also, where the occupant is confined to said special wheelchair, the upper section flow may be restricted completely.

An important feature of this invention relates to the means for emission of the spray from the upstanding pipe portions. As shown best in FIGS. 7 and 8 of the drawings, the pipes have a series of indentations 196 therein at regularly spaced intervals. As the approximate center of each indentation an aperture 108 is formed in the pipe, and a slot or diametn'c slot 1 is also formed to project from the aperture to the extent of the indentation. Each successive indentation in the pipe is formed in a manner such that its slit 110 is at an angle dissimilar to the angle of the next succeeding one thereof. Inasmuch as these slits direct the spray of water against the body of the bather, it will be understood that this difierent angularity results in maximum spray contact thereby insuring appropriate cleansing.

For those users having sufficient use of the arms to employ an overhead spray, or where an attendant is available to manipulate said spray, the supply pipe 60, exterior of the stall 44 has a T-joint 112 with an upstanding pipe 114. The pipe 114 connects with a manual valve 116 having handle 118 and a flexible hose 120 with a shower spray nozzle 122. The nozzle 122 has a hanger 124 on which it rests when not in use, and is optionally employed by the user of the shower by extending the flexible hose 120 over the top of the stall area. The attendant operates the valve 116 to activate or deactivate the spray from said nozzle.

Hot and cold water supply lines 126, 128 are connected at a fitting 130 to a pipe 132 leading to a second T-connection 134. The fitting 130 comprises a mixing assembly whereby a correct and comfortable water temperature is achieved. Mounted on the top branch of the T 134 is a dispensing container 136 for detergent or disinfectant compositions or the like. A manual control handle 138 is provided, and the attendant thereby controls the introduction of said composition into the shower water usually during the initial stages of the shower, or as required by circumstances.

An improved spray characteristic furnished by this invention, which eliminates the need for scrubbing and provides the other advantages heretofore mentioned, is occasioned by the new and novel surge valve 140 mounted in the water supply line. The valve 140 comprises a body 142 disposed between the pipe sections 144 and 146 connecting the T members 112 and 134. The body 142 has a central chamber with curvilinear distal and proximal walls 148, 150, and having step projections 152 adjacent the distal wall and indentations 154 at the comers of the proximal wall. A pivot rod 156 extends transversely across the chamber, and has a flap member thereon. This flap member includes a short projection 158 and a long projection 160. The rod is disposed adjacent the distal wall 148, and the projections alternatively occupy positions wherein they contact the walls at diametrically opposed projections and indentations 152, 154 thereof. In these positions, water flow through the valve is momentarily blocked, but pressure against the longer projection 160 causes opening of the valve and flow, and a reversal of the flap position. With this rapid alternative opening and closing of the valve, a pulsating spray is emitted through the pipe and nozzle openings.

The exit section 26 of the ramp has a plurality of openings 162 formed in the walls thereof, each covered by a screen 164. A combined fan and heater 166 is mounted exteriorally of the ramp to introduce dry, heated air through each of said openings. A roll 168 is also provided on this section, and supports another heated fan 170. Thus, the section 26 comprises a drying area which eliminates the need for towel drying of the bather.

in some instances, it is desirable that the drying chamber be associated directly with the bathing stall. It is, in such cases, necessary only to relocate the respective fans as, for example, by incorporating the side fans in the walls of the shower stall.

As will be understood from the foregoing, a bather may enter the device hereof and be fully bathed, substantially without the need for the services of an attendant, other than to manipulate the exterior valve means. Moreover, the shower operation is substantially complete, and affords infirmed persons with privacy and with sure cleansing of body areas.

I claim:

1. An automatic shower assembly comprising: a stall having plural pipe means arranged therein; each pipe means having a series of openings therein to direct water against the bather;

water supply means for the pipe means; and

valve means associated with the water supply means for supplying a pulsating stream of water through said pipe means.

2. The invention of claim 1, wherein:

the valve means comprises a valve body having a pivot rod therein; and

projections on the rod alternatively opening and closing the valve.

3. The invention of claim 2, and means in said water supply means for the addition of cleansing compositions to the water.

4. The invention of claim 2, and an enclosed entry ramp for the stall.

5. The invention of claim 4, wherein: the assembly includes a drying section having heated fans therein.

6. The invention of claim 4, and a flexible hose having a spray nozzle therein mounted in the water supply means.

7. The invention of claim 6, wherein: the pipe means comprises a plurality of vertical pipes in the stall extending to substantially the upper limit thereof; and

means on said pipes to restrict the emission of water from portions thereof.

8. The invention of claim 7, wherein: the pipe openings each comprise an indentation having a central aperture and a diametric slit extending from the aperture to the extent of the indentation.

9. The invention of claim 8, and: a bottom spray in the stall.

10. An automatic shower assembly comprising:

an enclosed ramp having an entry portion and an exit portion and having sidewalls;

one of the sidewalls having a doorway therein intermediate the entry and exit portions;

an enclosed bathing stall having three walls and being positioned with its opening side at said doorway; the bathing stall having a perforate base;

spray means arranged at the corners and under the base of the stall;

movable overhead spray means for the stall; water inlet pipe means connected to the spray means; dispenser means for incorporation of compositions into the water inlet;

valve means operatively mounted in the water inlet pipe means to produce an alternating flow comprising intermittent surges of water of increased pressures; and

drying means disposed in the ramp adjacent its exit portion. 

1. An automatic shower assembly comprising: a stall having plural pipe means arranged therein; each pipe means having a series of openings therein to direct water against the bather; water supply means for the pipe means; and valve means associated with the water supply means for supplying a pulsating stream of water through said pipe means.
 2. The invention of claim 1, wherein: the valve means comprises a valve body having a pivot rod therein; and projections on the rod alternatively opening and closing the valve.
 3. The invention of claim 2, and means in said water supply means for the addition of cleansing compositions to the water.
 4. The invention of claim 2, and an enclosed entry ramp for the stall.
 5. The invention of claim 4, wherein: the assembly includes a drying section having heated fans therein.
 6. The invention of claim 4, and a flexible hose having a spray nozzle therein mounted in the water supply means.
 7. The invention of claim 6, wherein: the pipe means comprises a plurality of vertical pipes in the stall extending to substantially the upper limit thereof; and means on said pipes to restrict the emission of water from portions thereof.
 8. The invention of claim 7, wherein: the pipe openings each comprise an indentation having a central aperture and a diametric slit extending from the aperture to the extent of the indentation.
 9. The invention of claim 8, and: a bottom spray in the stall.
 10. An automatic shower assembly comprising: an enclosed ramp having an entry portion and an exit portion and having sidewalls; one of the sidewalls having a doorway therein intermediate the entry and exit portions; an enclosed bathing stall having three walls and being positioned with its opening side at said doorway; the bathing stall having a perforate base; spray means arranged at the corners and under the base of the stall; movable overhead spray means for the stall; water inlet pipe means connected to the spray means; dispenser means for incorporation of compositions into the water inlet; valve means operatively mounted in the water inlet pipe means to produce an alternating flow comprising intermittent surges of water of increased pressures; and drying means disposed in the ramp adjacent its exit portion. 